Netled and Rambridge Wholesale Supply have entered into a key strategic partnership that will bring Vera vertical farming technology to the North American market for the first time.
In May 2021, Rambridge will take delivery of the Vera Compact vertical farming system, which will also become Netled’s first vertical farm in North America. It will produce lettuce and herbs and function as a working example for North American customers. Vera Compact is a modular vertical farming system that allows growers to start small and scale up their operations in line with demand.
“Vertical farming is still quite early-stage in Canada. Growers have been setting up their own systems because there is no current turn-key provider who can guarantee quality technology, equipment, and installation. Netled’s Vera products fill that gap.” says Brent Parker, President at Rambridge Wholesale Supply.
“The market for a system like the Vera Compact is significant. There are many places like close-to-market supermarkets and restaurants that would benefit hugely from the Compact system. It also suits growers who want to start small, but have growth expectations. Vera Compact allows them to grow in a modular way as their operations, market share, and budget grow.” he continues.
“At Rambridge, we are super excited to be able to offer top-quality vertical farming technology via the Vera Compact system.” Rambridge Wholesale Supply is a family-run manufacturer and wholesale distributor based in Calgary, Canada, with a focus on the indoor and outdoor garden and greenhouse goods.
Significant partnership
Netled Ltd. designs and builds the high-tech platform for the world’s smartest vertical farms offering an extensive range of products for all segments of vertical farming from in-store growing cabinets all the way to massive-scale industrial projects via its Vera technology.
Chief Operating Officer, Niko Kurumaa, who is also in charge of North American sales, understands the significance of the partnership with Rambridge. “This is a key strategic partnership with Rambridge that allows us to bring our Vera technology to the North American market via an established and well-respected company. Rambridge has supplied garden and greenhouse goods throughout Canada and the United States for over 35 years. Now they can also offer their customers cutting-edge vertical farming technology as a turn-key service. We are thrilled to be working with them to both serve and develop the North American market,” says Kurumaa.
Momentum
The market for vertical farming systems throughout North America is rapidly developing. Brent Parker thinks that now is the perfect time to capitalize on those developments.
“Vertical farming represents the future of controlled-environment production in Canada. As the climate changes and ever-more unpredictable weather, pest, and disease pressures become commonplace, vertical farming represents an opportunity for safe and reliable food production. Vertical farming also means food is produced locally, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, reduces supply-chain costs, and reduces water consumption. It ensures customers are able to enjoy a fresher product and one that is more sustainably produced.” says Parker.
“And we’re not just talking about the Compact system. There is a huge potential market for the Vera Instore system too.” he continues. “Grocery stores across the country would benefit immensely from hyper-local crop production and instore growing cabinets. We can’t wait to bring Netled and its Vera technology to North America,” he concludes.
Netled